On March 28, 2024, H.E. Dr. Ambassador Beresford-Hill and H.E. Ambassador Ernest Rwamucyo convened a crucial meeting to explore the prospect of establishing diplomatic relations and bilateral projects between Rwanda and the Order of Malta.

Ambassador Ernest Rwamucyo has an extensive diplomatic and development background, having served as Rwanda’s Ambassador to Japan with additional responsibilities in Southeast Asia, High Commissioner to India with oversight in South Asia, and High Commissioner to the United Kingdom with an additional role as non-resident Ambassador to Ireland. He also held various positions at the United Nations Development Programme in New York and played significant roles in economic planning and development within Rwanda’s Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, including directing strategic planning and poverty reduction monitoring. Additionally, he contributed to academia as an assistant lecturer at the National University of Rwanda.

Ambassador Beresford-Hill highlighted Rwanda’s previous expression of interest, referencing a conversation between H.E. Ambassador Giampaolo Cantini and General James Kabarebe during the Munich Security Conference Regional Leaders Meeting in Nairobi in October 2023. He provided Ambassador Rwamucyo with detailed information about the Order of Malta and Malteser International’s humanitarian activities, particularly in Africa. Ambassador Rwamucyo expressed genuine interest and agreed to further explore the possibilities, pledging to consult with General Kabarebe. The meeting concluded positively, with both Ambassadors expressing eagerness for future collaboration.